Madeline R
Welcome to my website! Please check out my first assignment here!
Voki is a computer program where users can make speaking avatars. You can use this program for entertainment or in the classroom. Even without the premium package, users can still make professional-looking avatars and link or save them with a free account. On Voki, users first design their character as well as change the background and then type text which the character will speak.
By searching through a number of different characters ranging from animals to anime, Voki users choose one to be their avatar. Users can change colors and proportions on these characters to customize them as their own. Some characters also have “bling” or “clothing” option where users can add accessories and change the outfits on their avatars. Also, users can change the background of the panel. Voki has quite a few free options in the backgrounds section, including animated backgrounds that swirl, flash, or a variety of other effects.
After creating a character and selecting a background, users can add a voice to the character. You can talk into the telephone, use a microphone, upload audio, or type what the character will say. If typing the text which the character will speak, users type the text into a box on the screen after choosing the “text to speech” button, and then choose the voice. Voki has many different voices in varied accents. Users can also choose effects for how the avatar reads the text, although they can make the avatar difficult to understand.
Finally, users can save their Voki under a specific title with a free account and edit it if necessary. Once users save their Voki, they can click on “My Voki,” and look at all of the avatars they have created. To link a Voki to another program with a free account, users select the icon that looks like a sideways “v” and then choose the icon resembling a chain link. From there, users can select to copy the URL and link it to another program.
Voki is a useful computer program which can be used for a creating entertaining, speaking avatars. The simplicity of the program makes it a useful tool for students or in the workplace. Voki can achieve professional results through a few simple steps, and can be saved and edited with a free account.
Tagxedo is a computer program that allows users to create “word clouds” in different shapes and colors. In class, we created a Tagxedo using a photo of our faces and different words from a personality quiz. On Tagxedo, users can select a picture to fill in with words and change the styles, colors, and fonts. Then they add words which will be scattered throughout the silhouette and save the final product.
On this assignment, I took a personality quiz and read the explanation in order to choose words for this project. Some of the words that I chose to represent me were: ambitious, persistent, analytical, and capable. I think these words represent how I go about conquering school work and other challenges. Everyone has bad and good qualities to their personality, so I tried to let my Tagxedo show an accurate representation about all of my qualities.
Through this Tagxedo assignment, I learned a few new things about my personality. I think this assignment was a truer representation of who I am than a traditional portrait because people can look at the Tagxedo and see not only what I look like, but some of my character traits. All that is visible from a traditional portrait is how I look on the outside, but through the Tagxedo, others can see who I really am.
The color wheel can help artists easily choose colors that look good together. By choosing certain color combinations such as the primary colors or the secondary colors from the color wheel, artists can make sure that the color scheme in their art looks professional. Different combinations of colors can create very different appearances, such as the complimentary colors which are opposite each other on the color wheel, and can make certain aspects stand out. In contrast, analogous colors which are next to each other, look pleasing to the eye. By carefully selecting colors on the color wheel, an artist can create a certain appeal through their artwork.
One artist who made use of a certain color scheme was Vincent van Gogh. He worked with complimentary colors which made his artwork look very bright and bold. The colors alone have a strong contrast, and when used in artwork, create the boldness that Vincent van Gogh’s artwork conveyed.
Graffiti is an art form where artists spray paint or draw on public buildings. Graffiti artists can create interesting and bold images using limited materials. Although some people do it illegally, others do it as a way to express themselves and create powerful art.
To create a digital graffiti wall, our class started by creating six online posters, one with our name and the other five with the best describing words from the personality quiz. Then using the photo editing program called GIMP, we added the words to a brick wall picture. After erasing the background on each word we changed the opacity and rotated the words to create an authentic graffiti image.
These words describe different aspects of my personality. They describe how I try to handle difficult situations and perform at school. Using software and descriptive words, I was able to create a bold representation of my personality.
Acrimboldo was called a Mannerist, meaning that he tried to show his connection to nature through his paintings. This could have influenced his artwork which is comprised of food and other natural objects. His works strived to show the relation between humans and nature.
I put my food items together in a way that looked pleasing and interesting. I chose food items representing a variety of fruits and vegetables that could represent parts of the human body. I tried to make them really look like a face and layer different food items to create a bold image.
My name is Sabrina. I look in the broken mirror. My face, the trees, the sky, all in pieces. Aunt Bianca wants me to get rid of the mirror saying it represents bad memories and we need to put the past behind us, but I refused. The mirror is the only thing other than me who remembers the accident.
Seven years ago, I left the house early. It was a big day at school; awards day. My parents promised to come to the school at nine o’clock sharp to watch me receive my awards. I beamed like the sun, the world was whole then. As I heard my name called, I stood up and walked proudly across the stage, scanning the audience. My parents weren’t there. I looked again, they wouldn’t break their promise unless something really bad happened. MY PARENTS WEREN’T THERE!
Thirty minutes later, my Aunt Bianca checks me out. Her eyes are red like she has been crying. She leads me towards the car, a Toyota Camry. I repetitively ask her what happened. Finally, she quietly tells me. I don’t hear all of it. Only key words like fire, and parents, and dead. My heart stops; it can’t be true.
I reach into my pocket and pull out a small mirror. The only thing I have now. The rest of my stuff is gone or at school, where I can never go back. I see my red face, tears streaming down my cheeks. I punch the cheap mirror. It cracks to pieces with my life.
Now I see myself, sitting in a tree. My face looks shattered in the broken mirror. It reminds me of the artwork of David Hockney. Something I discovered years after the accident. He took pictures and created something in pieces, yet socompelling. Like he understood me. Yet I will do the opposite. I will take my broken pieces and make myself whole again.
Before becoming the third President of the United States, I, Thomas Jefferson, was born into a rich family in Virginia. I enjoyed reading and playing the violin. I had much classical education and became a lawyer.
Later, after writing a book on American independence, I was selected to draft the Declaration of Independence. Afterwards I went back to my home state Virginia and revised the laws that did not fit with the Declaration. Then I was elected as second governor of Virginia.
Since John Adams, my friend and competitor, didn’t have a lot of support, it was down to me against the other Republican, Aaron Burr. We tied but the House chose me to be the third President. Aaron Burr became my Vice President.
My first year as President went fairly well and I managed to significantly lower the national debt. Then I bought Louisiana in the Louisiana Purchase and doubled the size of the nation. Also, I sent Louis and Clark on their legendary expedition. My second term of Presidency did not go as well, and during my final years, I had financial difficulties and had to sell my precious library to the Library of Congress.
One major problem faced in American society today is the use of Genetically Modified food, or GMOs. By adding DNA from other organisms to foods like corn and soy, scientists are creating new breeds of experimental foods. No one knows what these foods can do, and by consuming them, people are subjecting themselves too new and potentially dangerous substances. GMOs are experimental and made with things that should not be eaten. Also, GMOs are not always labelled, so people could be eating them and not realize.
GMOs may seem fine now, but they have not been widely consumed for long at all, so we have no way of knowing how they may affect the human body in the future. They seem good now, they can make food produce its own pesticide and make apples that never brown. But thinking about it, should food produce its own pesticide? Should apples never brown? This is completely unnatural, and could eventually take its toll on the health all Americans who are not careful of what foods they buy. This is why all Americans should buy organic foods. Organic food is always GMO free, and could help save lives.
Also, GMO food is made by mixing the genes of non-plant organisms to the genes of food. If bacteria are found in a food product, then typically it is recalled as to not harm human health, but Genetically Modified food mixes the genes of bacteria with the products Americans consume. This does not seem right. Genetically Modified food was created to solve the problems of world hunger. Today, Genetically Modified food seems to be taking over America.
Now, Genetically Modified food labelling is mandatory, but companies can label GMOs in a code that must be scanned. This way, casual buyers do not know what is in their food. If people do not know what they are eating, then how can they solve this problem? By buying organic foods, Americans can protect themselves from this experiment where they are the test subjects. Together, America can buy organic and put Genetically Modified food to rest.
Genetically Modified food is an experiment, made with potential toxins, and sometimes is labelled in ways where consumers do not realize what they are eating. For America to rise above GMOs, we need to buy organic and stop supporting the big businesses. People should know what their food is and what it is made from, and with GMOs they cannot trust their food. If everyone buys organic, it could lead companied producing GMOs to stop using GMOs. Americans need to stop supporting this experiment and say no to GMOs.
The Search for
Characters:
- Liliana
- Siri
- Peter
- Sora
- Remis
- Jamie
- Narrator
Narrator: A thick blanket of snow covers the ground. Snowflakes blow in the blustery twilight. Lilianna blinks, waking up. Slowly Lili remembers how she got here. She is weak from being unconscious in the cold for so long.
Liliana: Where am I? Why did the pack do this to me? I could prove to them that I’m not weak. Now I’m an outcast.
Narrator: She remembers the only thing she loved that she left behind. Her sister. They were both part of a half-wolf pack. The half wolves can transform from mostly human to wolf. Liliana begins to panic.
Liliana: Siri! Siri! Where are you!
Narrator: Liliana realizes no one is coming for her. She is going to have to learn to survive on her own. Then she sees a human figure coming towards her. She is too weak to fight, so she hides in some bushes.
Human: Hello? I don’t want to hurt you. I’m a researcher of the half-wolves and try to protect the species.
Narrator: Liliana has a flash of panic. The human saw her.
Human: Do come out if you will. I only want to help you. Learn about your kind so human and half-wolf can finally live in harmony.
Narrator: Perhaps this human really is a friend. Liliana peeks out of the bush.
Liliana: Can you really help me?
Human: Certainly. And please, call me Peter.
Liliana: I need to find my sister Siri. I lost her when I was outcast from the Pack.
Peter: I’ll help you, but only if you tell me about your pack.
Liliana: Fine. Whatever. I’ll tell you about it, but when we find Siri, you aren’t going to try to convince me to rejoin them or something.
Peter: Of course not. I am sure your pack has hurt you beyond repair.
Narrator: Liliana scowls. She finds Peter to be annoying.
Liliana: *Leaping with immense power and pinning Peter to the ground. * If you act sympathetic about what they did to me ever again, I’ll tear you to shreds, human!
Peter: I-I’m sorry. Do tell me your name.
Liliana: *Standing up *I’m Liliana.
Narrator: Peter and Liliana go off in search of Siri. Liliana shares everything she remembers about her old life as she comes to trust Peter. She slowly grows unhappier as the weeks pass by. Siri is nowhere to be found. Then their luck changes. Liliana catches the scent of another pack.
Liliana: Peter! I smell another half-wolf! I think it’s her!
Peter: It could be any wolf. It isn’t necessarily your sister.
Liliana:I know it is! SIRI! SIRI! Where are you?!
Peter: *pulls out a knife, and pins Lili down with it against her throat. * Now that I have all of the information about the half-wolves, I can annihilate them without you. So, I’m afraid I’ll have to kill you.
Liliana: You traitor! I knew I shouldn’t have trusted you! Help me! HELP!
Narrator: At first no one hears Liliana’s cries for help. Then Siri hears Lili’s screams.
Siri: Lili, LILI! Is that you?!
Narrator: Siri rushes to find her sister. Three other half-wolves follow behind her. Siri sees Peter holding a knife to Lili’s throat. Siri and the wolves tackle Peter to the frozen ground and claw at him.
Peter: You horrid half-wolves! Don’t you see why the humans hate you? Can you not see why we attack you? Liliana was foolish for not seeing what I was up to from the beginning!
Narrator: Sora and Jamie hold Peter as Lili gets away from him.
Jamie:What should we do with him, Alpha?
Siri: Kill him, but make it slow and painful.
Narrator: Sora, Remis, and Jamie take him into the bushes to dispose of him. Liliana is upset that Peter betrayed her, but thrilled that her sister rescued her and they can finally be together again.
Liliana: Siri I can’t believe you found me! That was perfect timing!
Narrator: Liliana sees the wolves with Siri and knows Siri is part of a pack. Her excitement to rejoin her sister fades. Liliana knows she does not want to join with anyone but Siri after what Peter and her old pack did.
Siri: I heard your cries for help and thought it was you, so I came as quickly as I could. He didn’t hurt you did he?
Liliana: No, I’m fine.
Narrator: Lili and Siri embrace for a long minute.
Siri: Hey, Lili I was wondering if you would be willing to join my new Pack. I separated from the old one that kicked you out and formed my own. The other wolves are Remis, Sora, and Jamie.
Narrator: Liliana isn’t sure what to do. She wants to join her sister but is afraid that this will end like her previous encounters with others. She is about to refuse the offer, but sees the pleading look in her sister’s eyes. It is so unlike the cruel looks from Peter and her old Pack. Maybe she should give them a chance.
Liliana: Okay, I’ll join you. But only if you promise that your pack will never hurt me.
Siri: Remis! Jamie! Sora! Come here!
Sora: Yes, Alpha? We have thoroughly disposed of the traitor.
Siri: You all must agree not to hurt Lili.
Remis, Sora, and Jamie: We would never do that, and we promise, Alpha.
Siri: You better, because my sister has been through a lot. It is hard for her to trust people.
Jamie: Of course Alpha, we will.
Narrator: Liliana and Siri’s pack lived in peace for many years to come.
Camp Catastrophe!
Number of players
Age Range
2-4
8+
Fluff Text or Back Story
Welcome to Camp Catastrophe! Once, Camp Catastrophe was a happy and fun camp for children of all ages, but lately strange things have been happening. The counselors have disappeared! Dangerous “threats” have been popping up all over camp and the campers have turned against each other in their efforts to survive. As a new camper, perhaps this just sounds like a ghost story? Find out for yourself…
Game Objective
You will move around the camp (There is no end to the game board, so you go around infinitely until only one player remains) facing threats and gaining or losing health tokens. Your health tokens will symbolize how healthy you are (Each player starts with 5 health tokens). If you lose them all, you are out of the game. If you are the final survivor, you win.
Game Contents
25 Mystery Cards
20 Health Tokens
1 Camp Ground Board
1 Six-Sided Dice
4 Campers (Playing Pieces)
Game setup
Put the Camp Grounds board between the players. Shuffle the mystery cards and place them in the center of the board. Each player takes five health tokens regardless of the number of players. These are your tokens that will be lost and gained as you face threats or attacks from other players.
Game Play
Place all players on the START space. To start play, all players roll one die. The player who rolls the highest number goes first. Play proceeds to the left.
Turn Sequence - On your turn, roll one dice and move that many spaces. Perform the action listed on the square and your turn ends. If your play causes you to lose all your health tokens, you are out of the game.
Special conditions
If two players land on the same space, before anything else is done, each player on the space rolls a dice. The player who rolls the lower number loses a health token and then moves backward to the nearest empty space.
Board Spaces – There are a variety of spaces that cause players to lose or gain their health tokens. These spaces list the name of a threat such as fire, bear, or drowning. If you land on one of these spaces, lose health accordingly. If you land on a gain health square such as medicine or life-jacket, gain health accordingly. Empty and start squares do nothing. There are other squares labeled “draw mystery card.” If you land on one of these squares, draw a mystery card and perform the action listed.
Mystery Cards – These cards have a variety of different actions. Some of them are similar to the board spaces, such as losing and gaining health from threats or medicine. Another type of card you can draw allows you to attack another player forcing them to lose health. The last different type of mystery card can provide immunity to one type of threat. For example: If you draw the mystery card “bear spray,” you now have immunity for one time when you land on the bear space of draw a mystery card involving a bear attack. These cards remain in front of the player who draws them until you land on the threat or draw a threat card and choose to use your immunity card.
Winning the game
To win the game, you must be the last player alive. This means you still have at least one health token while every other player has lost theirs and been removed from the game.
